In this hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained that among the actions which make a person’s hajj gain acceptance are the actions of feeding people, speaking kindly to them and making salaam to one and all (obviously, this does not apply to non-mahrams as one will not greet them). Similarly, in order for a person’s hajj to be ‘mabroor’, it needs to be void of show and ostentation, and sins and shamelessness.

Fortunate indeed are those individuals who have already proceeded or will soon depart for haj, and may Allah Ta‘ala bless them all with ‘Hajj Mabroor’. Nevertheless, if we are not among those performing hajj this year, it does not mean that we cannot at least inculcate the spirit of hajj.

If we cannot pelt the jamaraat (the ‘shaitaans’), engage in du‘aa in ‘Arafah, make tawaaf of the Ka’bah and perform sa‘ee between Safaa and Marwah, then we can at least speak kindly to people, feed them, make salaam to everyone we meet, avoid shamelessness and indecency, and refrain from ostentation and show, as these actions are not restricted to the occasion of hajj. In this manner, although we are not among those performing hajj, we will at least enjoy the spirit of hajj. Furthermore, when these actions contribute to a person’s hajj gaining acceptance, then through us holding firmly to these actions, it is hoped that Allah Ta‘ala will bless us with His special acceptance as well.

May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with His special acceptance and take us all for hajj and ‘umrah – aameen.